Nasal applicator



Jan. 13, 1953 Patented Jan. 13, 1951i UNITED STATES vmsu-1f optics 2,625,159 NASAL APPLICATOR Minn.

sommation october so, 1947, serial No. italie i Claims. 1

My invention relates to an improvement in nasal applicators wherein it is desired to provide a means. of Iapplying a suitable solution to the interior of the nostrils.

I have discovered that it is possible for a person to greatlyincrease resistance to infection by airborne diseases. by applying to the inside of the nostrils, a small amount of a suitable therapeutic solution. One or two daily applications of a drop or lessof certain such solutions, particularly before exposure to possible infection in crowded places, will 'oftenfgive freedomA from infection to those previously very frequently infected. For example some persons seem particularly susceptible .to common respiratory infections, such as c'ilds. I have found that by treating the nostrils as above described the sus ceptibility of these persons to such infections is materially reduced.

It is an object or the present invention to provide an applicator rodl or element which may be easily coatedwitha small amount of a suitable treating solution and which may be easily inserted into the nostrilsf. This Vapplicator` serves as a support.- for sufficient liquid to treat. the nostrils and to ,apply `to .thelining of. the nose a coating of solution.

A feature of theV present inventionlies the provision of a receptacle for cont a inin gf, l asmall amount of treating solution and to incorporate with this receptacler an applicator rod for supporting one or more drops of the solution. The receptacle' is of such a size that' it may be easily carried in the pocket or purse and forms a convenient means of applying the solution to the nostrils.

A pocket clip identical. to that used on pens and pencils may, if desired.` beused to hold the device inV upright position in a pocket.

A feature of .the present invention lies in the provision of an appllcatorelement having a series of encircling groovesor indent-s thereabout capable of containing the desired. .amount of the treating; solution. These grooves or Aindents serve as'. pockets for containing the solution and. preventingthe. solution. from immediately draining downwardly from the end` of the, applicator element during use... At the same time, the peripheral grooves appear to. be ad vantageousl over other types. ofi pockets' asthe. surfaceVv tension ofthe liquidi extending; about, the surface ofi the applicator element tends toi hold the liquid contained inthe grooves. `These. indents may jbe pockets having ai largeramount; oi circumferential liquid supporting surface, or may be circular groovesor spiralgrooves depending upon the result desired. Circular grooves have a tendency to retain Aliquid longer than the spiral grooves. On the other hand, the spiral shape of the grooves has vthe advantage of tending to drain away excessive solutionbefore application. The applicator rod must be of small diameter, must hold solution while supported tip up, and must beeasy to clean.

An added feature of' the present invention lies in the provision of an applicator element which may be moistened while the receptacle is closed and which will support the necessary amountof solution when thereceptacle is opened. rlhus in the operation of the device it is only necessary to tilt or invert thereceptacl'e containing the applicator element `and then to removethe closure of the applicator to move the applicator into accessible position.

A feature. o f the present invention lies in the provision ofpa receptacle containing an applicater element ofjsm'aller dimensions and in supporting this applicator element in a well of restricted site orto pass, the applicator element through. an ,opening of restricted size. As a result excessive liquid is removedfrom theV applicator lment before use. thereof.

Theseand otherof 'ects and novel features of my invention will be..ir`iore clearly Yand fully set forth in the following vsipecifcation and claims.

the drawings forming a part of my specication:

Figure 1 .is a cross sectional. View through a nasal applicator showing the construction there- Figure 2 is a top plan view of the applicator shown in Figule 1 with the receptaclev cap removed.

l'iguresr 3is asectional view through a modified vform of applicator construction.

Figure l is a view `of theapplicator shown in Figure 3 showing the method of operating the same.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figurefl showing the'manner in which the applicator rod is held in projecting position.

Figure 6 is a view similar toFigure 5 showing the manner in which the applicator rod oi Figure 1 is held in projecting position.

Figure 7 is a. sectional viewv through a modified form of construction.

Figure 8 is a sectional viewy through another modified form of construction;

Fig-urev 9 is a sectional view through a somewhat different type of applicator.

Figure is an enlarged view of a modiied form of applicator rod.

The applicator A illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings includes an elongated cylindrical shell l@ having a closed lower end Il and an open upper end. The open upper end is externally threaded at l2 to accommodate a cap or closure i3 which will be later described in detail.

A plug ld is frictionally or otherwise engaged in the open upper end of the shell lo to project somewhat therefrom. This plug I l is provided with an internal recess E 5 at its lower end which merges into an inwardly tapering wall l5. The tapered wall i5 communicates with a relatively small diameter passage il which is coaxial with the plug and which is of proper diameter to accommodate the applicator rodor element which will be later described.

A sin-all auxiliary passage I9 extends through the upper end of the plug lll communicating with the tapering wall l5. |The applicator element 25 is slidably positioned within the shell lil. This applicator element includes an enlarged end 2l and a smaller diameter stem or shank 22. The upper end of the applicator element is provided with a spiral groove 23 therein which has relatively square edges.

The cap I3 includes a sleeve 24 having a closed end 25 and an internally threaded open end. The threaded end of the cap nts the threads l2 of the shell 1S so that the cap may be screwed onto the body of the receptacle. The inner surface of the closed end is shaped to nt against the upper end of the passages il and I9 and to act as a closure therefor.

rThe operation of my device is extremely simple. The shell il) is nlled with a therapeutic solution of a type which will be later generally described. If described the entire receptacle may be inverted while the cap i3 is in place. To use the `applicator the cap i3 is removed while the receptacle is in the upright position shown in Figure i. The receptacle is then inverted, the weight of the applicator rod yallowing the applicator rod to slide through the passage Il and to slide into extended position, projecting through the plug is. Air is simultaneously drawn by displacement into the interior of the applicator through the small aperture I9 and about the stern of the applicator rod. This separate air vent I9 also prevents liquid from being drawn from the grooves when the rod moves outwardly and air is drawn inwardly. The openings through the plug le are not of suihcient size to allow the liquid to drain from the receptacle when the applicator rod is in place in the passage Il, while the enlarged end 2l helps to sealY the opening and to lact 'as a stop against the plug i4 to limit the protrusion of the lapplicator element 20.

When the applicator rod has slid into projected position the device may be turned into upright position :and the projecting end thereof inserted into each nostril in turn. By moving the applicator rod over the inner `surface of the nostril some of the solution is transferred from the applicator rod to the nostril, providing a coating of solution thereupon. During the time the applicator rod is in upright position it is held from sliding back into the receptacle by -a slight pressure oi a finger against the side of the shank as illustrated in Figure 6 of the drawings.

After the applicator has been used the ringer pressure against the applicator rod is removed and the weightof the rod returns the same into 4 the receptacle. The enlarged end 2| i on the ap'- plicator rod :assists this act. The cap I3 is next replaced, sealing the top of the applicator receptacle until it is next used.

In Figures 3, e, and 5 of the drawings, I disclose ya somewhat similar form of construction to that just described. The applicator B illustrated in these figures includes an elongated sleeve 2B having a closed lower end '2l and an open upper end. The open upper end is internally threaded at 29 to accommodate the externally threaded lower end of the plug 3D. The plug 35 has an aperture 3l therethrough through which the applicator rod may slide. The plug 30 is externally threaded wat 32 to laccommodate the cap 33.

The plug 35 is provided with a reduced diameter portion 34 near its upper extremity which supports the ring 35 of somewhat larger diameter. A sleeve 38 is supported upon this ring or hangs 35. The sleeve 36 is provided with an internal circular groove 3i which is designed to accommodate the iiange and an internally projecting flange 3e at its lower extremity. The flange 39 has yan internal diameter which is slightly less than the external diameter of the flange 35. However, by slightly expanding the flange 35 by heat or other means, the two parts may be telescoped together in the manner illustrated so as to be retained securely, but with slight playas shown.

The cap 33 includes a sleeve portion d5 and an upper closed end el. A gasket may if desired be positioned adjacent the closed end 4I to form a seal with the axial passage 43 through the sleeve 36 when the cap is in place.

The applicator rod 64 is provided with Yan enlarged or weighted end 45 and a relatively smaller diameter shank 45 which terminates in Ia closed upper extremity 41. The closed upper extremity is provided with a series of spaced circular grooves having substantially square sides as illustrated. Obviously the spiral groove shown in Figure 1 could be used in place of the circular grooved structure of Figure 3 with corresponding advantages or disadvantages in operation. The cap 33 is removed vand the receptacle B is inverted. The weight'of the applicator rod causes the same to move through the aligned passages 3l and 43 into projecting position as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings. The pressure of the finger is next placed against the sleeve 36 which then binds Iagainst the applicator rod and holds it in extending position. The device may then be swung into upright position as shown in Figure 5 of the drawings and the rod is held from retracting into the receptacle by slight pressure of the linger against the sleeve 36. vIn other words, this structure is similar tov the structure previously described, with the exception of the fact ythat the applicator B includes an additional sleeve which prevents the finger from directly contacting the applicator rod.

The applicator C shown in Figure 7 of the drawings is of somewhat different form. This applicator includes an elongated sleeve 49 having a closed lower end 50 and an externally threaded open end 5l A cap 52 is disengageably threaded to the sleeve end 5|. The cap 52 includes an axial well 53 of slightly larger diameter but smaller than the sleeve 5I so as to require a minimum amount of solution to cover the depressions in the rod upon inversion. The cap is likewise provided with an internally threaded sleeve 54 which is engageable with the threads of the sleeve end 5|. An applicator rod 55 is frictionally enace-5,159

5, gaged or otherwise secuifedatwfi fa. socket 51 in the Closed lower end Slofthebesrapplicator 55 includes-an elorigatech'shank having an upper end 59,. VThis end- -59- extends into the well 53 as illustratedv in the drawings.

In operation the applicator is inverted to allow some of the solution therein, tozow into the well 5,3 surrounding the groovedl endA 5.9.. The body is then returned to upright positionv and the cap 52 is removed.A TheA end vof the applicator rod then projects from the open end 5l of the body and may be used as previously described. Y

While this structure is; slightly simpler than the structures previously described," itwis not quite as handy to use as. the applicator does, not extend as far from thebody without,A unduly elongating the cap or shortening the body; Furthermore, it isless convenient .because it must be tightly capped and then inverted before each application.

The nasal applicator. D illustrated i-'n Figure 8 of the drawings isy also. of somewhat vdifferent form and construction. This applicator D includes an elongated shell 60 having a closed lower end 6| and an open upper end 62. A second sleeve 63 is engaged in frictional telescoping relation with the upper end of the sleeve 62 or else may be integral with the sleeve 60. The upper end of the sleeve 63 is internally threaded at 64 to accommodate the external threads of a plug type cap 65.

A light spring 66 is provided near the closed end 6l of the shell and this spring supports at its upper extremity 61 an elongated applicator rod 69. This rod 69 is provided with a circularly grooved upper extremity 10 which may be of the type shown in Figure 1 or 3 of the drawings or which may be of the grooved construction illustrated. The lower extremity of the cap 65 is provided with a slight hollow or recess 1| in which cap 65 is removed, limiting the outward movement of the rod 69.

In operation the applicator D is inverted so as to immerse the grooved end 10 of the applicator rod in a treating solution. The cap 65 is next unscrewed and removed whereupon the spring 66 elevates the upper end 10 of the applicator rod to a point substantially above the upper end of the sleeve 63. Thus the applicator rod automatically is urged into projecting position when the cap 65 is removed. In replacing the cap, it is only necessary to engage the upper end of the applicator rod in the hollow or recess 1I and to press the applicator rod downwardly compressing the spring 66.

In Figure 9 of the drawings I disclose an elongated hollow body having a relatively large interna1 diameter near the open upper end 16 thereof. The inner wall surface tapers inwardly at 11 to connect the larger diameter upper portion to a restricted diameter lower portion 19. The lower portion 19 is but slightly larger in diameter than the applicator rod 80 which is supported ltherein in closed condition of the applicator 15.

The rod 80 is provided with an indented lower end 8|, and is attached to, or frictionally supl(i. ported by, a corkgor plug '8.2 which isproporti'oled to engage in the open biody end 16.: When removed from the body 15, the Vapplcator rod may be inverted and used. in` 'the manner, previously described.. Y

This construction hasthe. 4disadvarita'gne that the liquid is more 'apt to become contaminated by impurities carried thereint' bythe rod' 80; and also has the disadvantage that the/rod must be inverted after removal.. increasing thlik'elihood of dropping liquid yfromfthe rod.V However, it may be preferable in 'some respects asthg last drops of liquid may be applied to the rod without inversion of the entire applicator; V` p The applicator rod may; if prefr-red, have pockets or depressions of varioustypes-therein in place "of 'theannular "or 'spiral grooves "described. In Figure I0 VIv 'disclose an applicator rod 83 which maybe provided with ovalpockets or depressions 84 in vspa-ced relation. This-type of pocket will not support liquid as; well-'as' the grooves previously. mentionedybut is particularly useful when the particular liquid used has a tendency to cling to the surface of the rod, or where less liquid is to be dispensed. The shape of the pockets 84 may be varied to provide the desired circumferential supporting surface. All of the applicator rods shown and described are preferably formed of firm material such as glass or plastic and are provided with highly polished surfaces to prevent injury to the inner surface of the nostrils.

I have found that various types of solutions are suitable for my purpose. Such solutions are preferably water solutions which possess high germicidal power and sufficiently dilute to be harmless and non-irritating. These solutions are also preferably non-staining and odorless. In addition to the germicides, moistening agents of a non-toxic nature may be used if desired.

In accordance with the patent statutes, I have described the principles of construction and operation of my nasal applicator, and while I have endeavored to set forth the best embodiments thereof, I desire to have it understood that obvious changes may be made within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

l. A nasal applicator including an elongated receptacle having a restricted passage through the upper end thereof, an applicator rod slidable through said restricted passage and a sleeve 'on said receptacle having an aperture therethrough aligned with said restricted passage, said sleeve being engageable against said rod to hold said rod from slidable movement.

2. A nasal applicator including an elongated shell having a closed end and a restricted opening in the opposite end thereof, a rod in said shell having an applicator end portion freely slidable through said restricted opening, and an enlarged portion on said rod spaced from said applicator portion of larger size than said opening, said enlarged portion limiting outward sliding of said rod through said opening, anda separate removable cap for said shell to close said opening.

3. A nasal applicator including a hollow elongated body portion having a closed end and an open end, said body portion having at its open end an axial opening of smaller diameter than the remainder of said body, the interior of said body between said closed end and said axial opening forming a reservoir, an applicator end of proper size to slide through said axial opening.

an enlargement von saijd rod spaced from said applicator end, said applicator rod being oriented in said body with the applicator end directed away from said closed end of said body, said enlargement being of greater dimension than said axial opening to limit outward movement of said applicator rod, said rod being of proper size to project from said body portion when said enlargement engages the body adjacent the inner lend of said axial opening, whereby said applicator rod Will perform its applicator function while partly retained within the reservoir of said body portion.

4. The structure dei-ined in claim 3 and in which the applicator end of the rod is within the opening of said body'when the other end of the -rod is in contact with the closed end of the body.

V5. The structure dened in claim 3 and including means for normally urging said rod outwardly through said opening.

6. The structure deined in claim 3 and including a ring-shaped member secured to the open end of the body portion through which the axial opening extends.

'7. The structure defined in claim 3 and including an air vent through the open end of the body in spaced relation to said axial opening.

VICTOR H. ROEHRICH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 532,359 Bradley Jan. 8, 1895 683,994- Schrimer Oct. 8, 1901 1,761,025 Schreider v'June 3, 1930 2,180,533 Lelier Nov. 2l, 1939 2,509,369 Roberson May 30, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS o Number Country Date 79.427 Switzerland Nov. 16, 1918 304,988

Germany Apr. 16, i918 

